Difference between CAT1 and CAT2?
Arsie had a post in the "Tracker" thread that prompts me to ask these questions...
I take it that the CAT1 is the alarm UK Honda fit after the car comes into the country and the CAT2 is the system put into the car in Japan when it's made?
If this is so, is the CAT2 disconnected when the CAT1 is fitted here?
If not, what's the difference between the two? Is the CAT1 just the original CAT2 with some added noise and motion sensors?
I suppose what I am saying is.... if I stop using the CAT1 remote and just use the CAT2(?) original Honda 3 button remote, will the vehicle be easier to steal? Let's take it as read that the noise deters no-one as no-one takes any notice.
PLUS my RAC Trackstar ALSO has an immobiliser built in.
Pete
I take it that the CAT1 is the alarm UK Honda fit after the car comes into the country and the CAT2 is the system put into the car in Japan when it's made?
If this is so, is the CAT2 disconnected when the CAT1 is fitted here?
If not, what's the difference between the two? Is the CAT1 just the original CAT2 with some added noise and motion sensors?

I suppose what I am saying is.... if I stop using the CAT1 remote and just use the CAT2(?) original Honda 3 button remote, will the vehicle be easier to steal? Let's take it as read that the noise deters no-one as no-one takes any notice.
PLUS my RAC Trackstar ALSO has an immobiliser built in.
Pete
Aart from the answer you want Pete, early S2000's came only with CAT2 protection in the form of the std Immobiliser, this can be upgraded to CAT1, but I kept the CAT2 immobiliser and got an additional CAT1 Alarm / immobilizer fitted.
A search of THATCHAM's website might give you the definitive answer, as these test and set the CATegory levels. (That is where CAT comes from, IIRC).
A search of THATCHAM's website might give you the definitive answer, as these test and set the CATegory levels. (That is where CAT comes from, IIRC).
Hey Pete, I just answered this in the other thread! 
Anyway, here's a bit more detail:
The CAT 2 system, that's installed in Japan is an immobiliser. It works using the ECU, in conjunction with the little transponder in your key. If the key isn't coded for the car, it won't let the car start. (As an aside IIRC the JDM cars don't get the immobliser (one's required for EU sales by law.), which is why they can have that nice key without any transponder chip in it.).
The CAT 1 system is a seperate alarm. It doesn't replace the CAT 2 system - your keys are still coded. But it adds sensors to protect the car and another immobiliser. It's connected into the central locking in the same kind of way as the CAT 2 system. So both need to be happy before you can start the car.
You could try an experiment, if you're curious Pete. Turn your car off for at least a minute or so, but don't alarm it. Then try to start/drive it using the 3 Button central locking remote. If I'm remembering correctly, you shouldn't be able to start the car - the CAT 1's immobliser will have armed and you'll be going nowhere. Note that it takes time before it'll passively arm - it's quicker if you actually alarm the car.
Use the 2 button CAT 1 handset. I know the boot release is a pain, but if you
The immobiliser in your tracking system is something else again...
If you're really curious, pop along to Thatcham's web site, there are details of what's needed for CAT 1/ CAT 2 certification there.
-Brian.

Anyway, here's a bit more detail:
The CAT 2 system, that's installed in Japan is an immobiliser. It works using the ECU, in conjunction with the little transponder in your key. If the key isn't coded for the car, it won't let the car start. (As an aside IIRC the JDM cars don't get the immobliser (one's required for EU sales by law.), which is why they can have that nice key without any transponder chip in it.).
The CAT 1 system is a seperate alarm. It doesn't replace the CAT 2 system - your keys are still coded. But it adds sensors to protect the car and another immobiliser. It's connected into the central locking in the same kind of way as the CAT 2 system. So both need to be happy before you can start the car.
You could try an experiment, if you're curious Pete. Turn your car off for at least a minute or so, but don't alarm it. Then try to start/drive it using the 3 Button central locking remote. If I'm remembering correctly, you shouldn't be able to start the car - the CAT 1's immobliser will have armed and you'll be going nowhere. Note that it takes time before it'll passively arm - it's quicker if you actually alarm the car.
Use the 2 button CAT 1 handset. I know the boot release is a pain, but if you
The immobiliser in your tracking system is something else again...
If you're really curious, pop along to Thatcham's web site, there are details of what's needed for CAT 1/ CAT 2 certification there.
-Brian.
Originally posted by bmarshall
Hey Pete, I just answered this in the other thread!
Hey Pete, I just answered this in the other thread!
Originally posted by bmarshall
You could try an experiment, if you're curious Pete. Turn your car off for at least a minute or so, but don't alarm it. Then try to start/drive it using the 3 Button central locking remote. If I'm remembering correctly, you shouldn't be able to start the car - the CAT 1's immobliser will have armed and you'll be going nowhere. Note that it takes time before it'll passively arm - it's quicker if you actually alarm the car.
You could try an experiment, if you're curious Pete. Turn your car off for at least a minute or so, but don't alarm it. Then try to start/drive it using the 3 Button central locking remote. If I'm remembering correctly, you shouldn't be able to start the car - the CAT 1's immobliser will have armed and you'll be going nowhere. Note that it takes time before it'll passively arm - it's quicker if you actually alarm the car.
Thanks again Brian

Pete
I will try the experiment tonight though
Its a while since I dealt with these things but IIRC
Thatcham Category 2 is a standard that dictates that 1 key ignition system be cut without a transponder key being present. The system can be fuel pump or ignition I think
Thatcham Category 1 is a combined alarm and immobiliser system that must feature the following theft prevention measures.
Battery backed up siren with tamper protection
A minimum of 2 separate ignition system cutouts (normally 3, fuel pump, ignition and starter motor)
Black wired wiring harness to make tampering harder
Hardened steel case to the alarm box
Door contacts for all openings
Internal motion sensors
Passive re-arming & locking after 30 seconds if alarm is turned off but no door or other entry opened
Passive re-immobilisation after 30 seconds if alarm turned off and vehicle entered but ignition not started
No doubt loads more (many feature automatic door locking when car in motion) but the gist of it is a 2 channel ignition immobiliser and a battery backed up alarm siren
Tif
Thatcham Category 2 is a standard that dictates that 1 key ignition system be cut without a transponder key being present. The system can be fuel pump or ignition I think
Thatcham Category 1 is a combined alarm and immobiliser system that must feature the following theft prevention measures.
Battery backed up siren with tamper protection
A minimum of 2 separate ignition system cutouts (normally 3, fuel pump, ignition and starter motor)
Black wired wiring harness to make tampering harder
Hardened steel case to the alarm box
Door contacts for all openings
Internal motion sensors
Passive re-arming & locking after 30 seconds if alarm is turned off but no door or other entry opened
Passive re-immobilisation after 30 seconds if alarm turned off and vehicle entered but ignition not started
No doubt loads more (many feature automatic door locking when car in motion) but the gist of it is a 2 channel ignition immobiliser and a battery backed up alarm siren
Tif
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